Having a
friend or loved one booked into jail can create confusion and
uncertainty, both for the inmate and for the friends or loved ones
involved. You may have questions about mail, phone calls, visiting,
health care, and many more areas. You will find it difficult to contact
the person who was arrested for some time following the arrest and
booking. The nature of the jail system may make it difficult for you
acquire the information you need concerning the arrest.

This web
page and the information contained herein was designed to help you
understand the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Jail System. These
pages are meant to provide you with the information necessary to help
you interact effectively with jail staff while supporting your family
member or friend in custody.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A
PERSON IS BOOKED INTO CUMBERLAND COUNTY JAIL?

When people are arrested they may be taken to the local police station
where they may be interviewed, and where necessary reports and forms are
prepared. If the individual is arrested for driving while impaired, a
breath, or blood chemical test will be conducted. This process can take
four hours or more before the person is committed to the county jail.
Since a good deal of time may pass before the jail system has any
notification of a person’s arrest, if you call shortly after your friend
or loved one is arrested you may find that they are not yet in the jail
system. Do not be concerned by this delay, as the pre-booking process
is routine and necessary.

When arrested individuals arrive at the jail facility, they go through
the intake and booking process before being housed in the inmate
population. This process takes from four to eight hours and is
comprised of medical screening, mental health screening, identification
processes, warrant checks and clerical matters. A private medical
screening by a member of the jail medical staff usually occurs at
booking to make sure the inmate is not injured or in need of immediate
medical treatment. A second screening is conducted to ensure that all
conditions that an inmate may have are properly noted and that the
facility is capable of meeting the inmate’s medical needs.

During the intake and booking process the inmates are searched to make
sure that no contraband is being brought in to the facility. They are
photographed and fingerprinted. Their personal information is entered
into the jails computer information management system, bail is
determined by a judicial official and a court date is set.

Some inmates may be eligible for release at intake on their own very
soon after arrival at the facility. Intoxicated inmates may be held up
to 24 hours, and sometimes longer, to ensure that they are sober enough
to be safely released. Most inmates are eligible for bail, and they
have access to telephones to allow them to contact assistance to arrange
bail through family, friends or bail agents. When it is determined that
an inmate will not make bail in the period immediately following
admission, they are assigned to a housing unit based on their
classification and other criteria.